Dwyana Smithen-Lewis, MA, LPC, Certified Holistic Practitioner Who am I? I am HER: Hopeful, Empowered, Resilient. I am great. I am divine. I deeply believe that every one of us embodies the same greatness, the same divine essence. My mission is to help individuals recognize their own potential, embrace their unique strengths, and step boldly into a brighter, more fulfilling future. My therapeutic approach is built on compassion, cultural understanding, and a commitment to personal growth. Drawing from both my West Indian heritage and my 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy, I bring a well-rounded perspective that acknowledges the challenges people face and the resilience they possess. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, empowering individuals to push beyond their comfort zones, learn from life’s trials, and create lasting change through new habits and patterns. In my practice, I focus on helping clients cultivate emotional wellness, navigate major life transitions, and build the skills needed to thrive in the face of adversity. Whether it’s developing healthy coping strategies, improving communication, or fostering a sense of inner strength, my goal is to guide clients on a path toward greater self-discovery and personal empowerment.
During the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where they can start to share their story and identify what they’d like to address. I’ll spend time listening to their concerns, exploring their goals, and working with them to begin building a plan for moving forward. This initial meeting is also an opportunity for clients to ask questions, clarify what they’re looking for, and get comfortable with the therapy process. The goal is to establish a foundation of trust and set the stage for meaningful progress.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to connect authentically with clients, foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment, and tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs. I bring a culturally sensitive perspective and an understanding of how personal history, relationships, and societal influences shape people’s experiences. I also excel at helping clients clarify their goals, identify their strengths, and develop practical strategies for positive change. Ultimately, I’m committed to empowering clients to find their inner resilience and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I am best positioned to assist clients who are dealing with heightened anxiety, feelings of sadness, anger management issues, low self-esteem, or difficulties in building and maintaining healthy relationships. I provide support to those facing fears of abandonment or failure, struggling with communication challenges, people-pleasing tendencies, or self-sabotaging behaviors. Additionally, I help clients improve their emotional regulation and work toward life planning and setting meaningful goals. My approach is compassionate, supportive, and tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
In addition to CBT, I integrate other modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and holistic, integrative health approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. DBT has been particularly helpful for clients seeking to improve emotional regulation and develop more effective interpersonal skills. I often guide clients through mindfulness exercises, distress tolerance techniques, and strategies for finding balance in their daily lives. SFBT, on the other hand, focuses on identifying strengths and envisioning a preferred future. I use it to help clients quickly pinpoint solutions and build on their existing capabilities. By highlighting what’s working and what steps have already brought progress, SFBT fosters a sense of empowerment and momentum. My holistic approach ties it all together by addressing the mind-body connection, incorporating wellness practices, and acknowledging the importance of nutrition, movement, and spiritual well-being. By weaving these methods together, I offer a comprehensive and flexible approach to therapy that helps clients build resilience, achieve balance, and lead more fulfilling lives.